5 Best Programs if You Want to Volunteer with Animals in Africa in 2026

Have you always dreamed of volunteering with animals? Make 2026 your year and find the best volunteer opportunity in Africa with Volunteering Solutions. 

Every year, thousands of volunteers experience the natural wonders of Africa’s wildlife, including the African Big 5, and immerse themselves in vibrant cultures to make meaningful contributions to local communities.

Wondering what volunteer program is the right fit for you? This guide will help you make your decision and note how Volunteering Solutions can help you plan your 2026 trip to minimize stress and maximize excitement. 

1. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program 

The Sea Turtle Monitoring volunteering program in Madagascar focuses on two species: the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle and the endangered Green Sea Turtle. The program operates year-round, focusing on creating a safe environment for mothers to lay their eggs, collecting data on nesting turtles, and assessing the success of hatching. During the hatching off-season, you’ll participate in beach cleans, research projects, and teach locals the dangers of the souvenir trade. 

During your time in Madagascar, you’ll have the opportunity to stay at Turtle Cove, a volunteer house just off the beach with stunning views of the ocean and beyond. You’ll be situated in close proximity to the Sea Turtles’ habitat, especially during nesting season. If you’re an active volunteer during this time (November to April), you may also get the opportunity to camp on the beach to protect the eggs from wildlife and poachers. 

Things to Do in Nosy Komba, Madagascar:

The world is your oyster during your free time in Nosy Komba, Madagascar. Here are the most popular activities: 

• Nosy Komba Jungle Tour: Experience more of the wildlife Madagascar has to offer with a guided jungle trekking tour, where you'll discover the unique plants and wildlife of the island.  
• Hike the dormant volcano: Nosy Komba is a dormant volcano surrounded by lush rainforests, making it perfect for spending the day exploring and hiking. 
• Nosy Komba Lemur Park: Interact with lemurs and other native wildlife in this protected environment, learning more about Madagascar’s native flora and fauna.

2. Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Projects

As a volunteer for the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Project, you’ll get to help improve the lives of animals living in the suburban Cape Town area. There is a huge issue with stray animals and pets here, many of which are neglected and left to fend for themselves. You will play a pivotal role on the team, helping to care for, sterilize, and treat stray dogs and cats. The organization is pro-life and strives to find new homes for all the animals you’ll encounter. 

While volunteering in Cape Town, you’ll have the opportunity to stay with a host family, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in South African culture and traditions. You’ll be close to the animal shelter, so you won’t have far to travel after a long day of playing and protecting local animals. You’ll also be able to fundraise and participate in adoption days to get your new best friends loving, trusted families. 

Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa:

There are plenty of amazing places to explore during your weekends in Cape Town, including:

• Table Mountain: Take an aerial cableway to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coastline, and make the most of where you are.  
• Visit the museums: Cape Town boasts some amazing museums, including the Robben Island Museum and the District Six Museum, which offer insight into the city’s rich history.  
• V&A Waterfront: If you want to relax and enjoy some retail therapy, this hub on the water lets you immerse yourself in Cape Town's culture with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

3. Wildlife Volunteer Projects 

The Wildlife Volunteer Projects offer an exceptional opportunity for volunteers interested in experiencing authentic African wildlife while making a lasting impact on the environment and its ecosystems. You’ll be placed in a wildlife reserve area filled with a variety of animals, including game, birdlife and wild animals, such as the African Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo). You’ll participate in tracking, feeding schemes, game drives, anti-poaching efforts, and more. 

Volunteers stay at a dorm-style accommodation, where you’ll be able to socialize in the common area with other like-minded people. There’s also a TV and entertainment area, where you can relax between volunteering efforts. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives you the chance to stay up close and personal for up to eight weeks. 

Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa:

During the weekends, you can head away from the wildlife reserve area to explore Port Elizabeth. Here are some example activities to consider: 

• Sardinia Bay Beach: Check out this pristine and secluded beach, which is perfect for long walks, swimming in rock pools, and surfing the South African waves.  
• Marine life boat trips: Take a boat tour off the shore and turn your attention to marine wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, whales, and African penguins.  
• Donkin Reserve: For more historical adventures, visit the iconic reserve and walk the heritage trail to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and sites. 

4. Marine Conservation Program

If your passions lie more with marine conservation, the Marine Conservation Program in Madagascar is an excellent choice. Partnered with oceanographic organizations, you’ll play a pivotal role in gathering raw scientific data through reef surveys, beach cleanups, artificial reef construction, and community engagement. Not only will you make a positive impact on Africa’s marine wildlife, but you’ll also benefit from learning unique diving methodology and diving techniques!

There are two options for accommodation for our volunteers in Nosy Komba: Turtle Cove, a volunteer house located on the beach, and a bungalow on the mainland of Madagascar in Ampohana. Both are excellent places to network and socialize, and you can choose the one that’s closest to activities you want to complete during your downtime. 

Things to Do in Ampohana, Madagascar:

We’ve looked at optional activities for volunteers staying at Turtle Cove on Nosy Komba Island, so here are some suggestions if you’re considering staying on mainland Madagascar: 

• Nahampoana Reserve: This popular attraction offers opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, allowing you to immerse yourself in both land and aquatic wildlife, as well as marine animals. 
• Domaine de la Cascade: This forest area is a wonderful place to explore Madagascar’s natural environment and its diverse wildlife. 
• Lokaro or Faux Cap Beaches: If you’re hoping to practice your snorkelling and diving skills, or simply relax on pristine sand, there are several nearby beaches to explore. 

5. Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Center

Many people dream of being able to work with penguins, and with Volunteering Solutions, you can do just that! Our program in South Africa focuses on the protection and care of marine birds and penguins that have been negatively impacted by human behavior. You’ll play an active role in rescue and rehabilitation missions, as well as inform and educate the public through important programs. African penguins are critically endangered, making your volunteer work more important and necessary than ever. 

Volunteers in Port Elizabeth are offered accommodation at a volunteer home, where you can make lifelong friendships and connections. You’ll be close to the beach, restaurants, laundry services and shops, as well as the rescue center. Along with your general duties, you’ll also be able to lend a hand in the sea school and bird hospital to make a meaningful impact wherever you can.

Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa:

During your downtime, you’ll have the opportunity to get out and explore the wonders of South Africa. Animal lovers will enjoy: 

• Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Experience a safari and see African wildlife up close and personal at this highly-rated reserve in Port Elizabeth.  
• St. George’s Park: Take a relaxing stroll around one of the city’s historical parks and spot some of the smaller, more unique species South Africa has to offer.  
• Kragga Kamma Game Park: Another popular game park, Kragga Kamma offers an incredible vantage point for spotting South Africa’s Big 5 animals and provides insight into the city’s conservation efforts. 

Ready To Plan Your Animal Volunteering Adventure Today? 

Volunteering with animals is incredibly rewarding and heartwarming, giving you a meaningful sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Not only will you be making a lasting impact on communities around the world, but you’ll also actively protect and rehabilitate vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered species. 

Explore our wildlife conservation volunteer opportunities and get ready for an unforgettable 2026 adventure with Volunteering Solutions!